|
Excitement
The noises and movements you make when you play are
very exciting to dogs. When dogs play with other dogs, they often play
roughly with their sharp teeth and claws. Sometimes dogs forget that they
can't play the same way with you, and because they don't have hands, they
use their mouths to grab things. A dog can hurt you by accident, just
by being too excited.
What you should do:
Play gently and calmly and if a dog gets too excited, freeze and walk
away. Take some time out to give you both a chance to calm down.
Pain or Sickness
When a dog is in pain, he doesn't understand where
the pain comes from. If you touch him, he may think you are causing the
pain and will bite you to stop the pain.
What you should do:
If a dog is acting like he is sick or hurt, leave
him alone -- even if he belongs to your family. Tell an adult, and together
you can get medical help for the dog.
Anger
A dog will protect anything that’s important to him:
his toys; his bed; his food and water bowls; his people; his yard; his
house; or his car. If you come near something that a dog feels is off-limits
to you, he may bite to make you leave his "property" alone!
What you should(or should not) do:
Don't go into a yard where there’s a dog you don't
know. Don't reach through a car window or a fence to pet a dog. Don't
pet a dog that’s tied up. Don't touch a dog's "property."
Fear or Surprise
Quick movements and sudden or loud noises are scary
for dogs, and they may bite to protect themselves. If a dog thinks you’re
a stranger who might hurt him, he may not know how to get away, so he’ll
protect himself by biting.
What you should do:
When you’re around a dog you don’t know, be quiet
and move slowly. Always ask the dog's owner for permission before you
pet him. If the owner isn’t there for you to ask, LEAVE THE DOG ALONE.
Warning Signs
Watch and listen for the warnings a dog will give
you to let you know when he is upset. If his ears are laid back
against his head, or his legs are very stiff, he is probably warning you
that he feels threatened and will protect himself if he must. If the hair
on his back is standing up, that’s another warning. If a dog is growling
or barking with his teeth showing, it means he is ready to bite. A dog's
warning signs mean that you’re doing something he doesn't like, so stop
doing it!
What you should do:
- Freeze.
- Count to five, slowly and silently.
- Move away very slowly, sideways or backwards.
- If the dog jumps on you, act like a rock by curling
up into a ball and covering your face and head with your arms.
What you should NOT do:
- Don’t stare at the dog -- that means "I dare you to
bite me!"
- Don’t run, jump or wave your arms around.
- Don’t scream.
- Don’t throw anything at the dog or hit him.
If A Dog Bites You
If you’re bitten by a dog, or any animal, you should:
- Have an adult take you to a doctor.
- Wash the wound with soap and warm water.
- Write down the type, size and color of the animal.
Was it wearing a collar? Did it have any identification tags? Where
were you when you were bitten? Where did the animal go?
- Report all of this information to the animal control
agency in your city or county.
|
